How to Find a Plastic Surgeon You Can Trust

Thanks to reality television, even the most personal procedures are public fodder. To this end, it can be difficult to discern where the makeup and cameramen end and where real life begins.

If you’re considering plastic surgery, it’s important to find a plastic surgeon who’s reputable, certified and takes your needs seriously. While it might appear on television that all a surgeon needs are a shiny white smile and great hair, true credibility runs far deeper than that.

Today, we’re going over a few ways you can find a plastic surgeon you trust, so you can move forward confidently.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!

1. Start in Your Circle

Have any of your friends or family members recently undergone plastic surgery? If so, consider asking them about the experience. You’ll likely hear an in-depth account of the entire process, from the initial consultation to the post-surgery recovery.

If you’re comfortable and the other party doesn’t mind sharing, don’t be afraid to ask for details. You’re looking for a plastic surgeon you can trust, and you’ll be hard-pressed to get as much information from an outside source.

Even if you don’t know anyone who’s gone under the knife themselves, check with any friends or family in the healthcare field or your primary care physician. Chances are, they’ll know of the reputable surgeons in your area or can point you toward someone who does.

2. Check Out Social Media

By now, you may have a list of names to check out online. Even if you’re starting from scratch, the internet can be a great place to begin. Most reputable plastic surgeons will have a website as well as a social media presence.

The website will provide you with information about the services offered and is also a great place to access contact information. Keep in mind, however, that everyone will make his or her web page appear as attractive and appealing as possible.

Those before-and-after photos? They’re easy to manipulate. Look for any obvious signs of doctoring, such as hair and makeup changes or lighting adjustments.

For a more accurate picture of a surgeon’s online reputation, head to social media, or to business review sites such as Yelp.com. Here, you’ll find customer feedback and reviews that provide a firsthand look at how each surgeon operates.

You can also check into online plastic surgery forums to hear stories and recommendations from other people in your area who’ve been to the surgeons you’re considering.

3. Find a Plastic Surgeon Who’s Certified

Sure, your Aunt Betty might have had some work done by a guy on the coast who’s super affordable and great to work with. Before you pack your swimsuit, place a call into his office and check his credentials.

You’re looking for a plastic surgeon who’s certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). While it’s not the only board that surgeons can be certified on, it’s one of the most highly regarded.

Head to the ABPS website and run a quick search to see if your surgeon shows up as certified. In addition to being board certified, he or she should also have an active state medical license. You can visit the Federation of State Medical Boards to verify that status.

4. Look for Specialty Areas of Focus

Does your family doctor also offer Botox injections? That one-stop-shop aspect might make it easier for you, but unless your doctor is qualified to perform those procedures, you could be putting yourself at a major risk.

Consider the type of plastic surgery you want to have done, and seek out a local surgeon who’s experienced and qualified to perform the work. Some types of surgery are more niche than others and if yours falls into this category, you may need to travel a little to find someone skilled in that exact area.

Don’t settle for the first plastic surgeon you come across just because he or she has a flashy website and claims to do it all. You know what they say about jacks-of-all-trades.

5. Ask about a Hospital Privileges

When you’re trying to find a plastic surgeon, keep in mind that some procedures may require hospitalization afterward. Even if yours is less invasive, there’s still the risk that something could go wrong medically, requiring your surgeon to transport you to a hospital.

Ask each surgeon you interview if his or her office is affiliated with a nearby hospital. If the answer is “no” and all procedures are performed in-house, mark that option off your list. You want confidence that in the event you need it, hospital care is a natural next step.

6. Conduct an In-Person Interview

One of the best ways to find a plastic surgeon you can trust? Pay him or her a visit in person!

From the moment you step inside, take note of the cleanliness of the office and the friendliness of the staff. If you’re treated like just another name on a list, that’s not necessarily a sign to run, but it should give you pause. If the front-office personnel are cold and unfriendly, that trend may trickle into the entire workforce.

Meet your surgeon and ask him or her as many interview questions as you can. Ask to see images of past work, and inquire about certifications and licensure. Then, ask if your surgeon has experience performing the procedure you’re considering.

In return, the surgeon should also ask you questions to make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared to undergo surgery.

For example, the doctors at Atlanta Face and Body have a list of questions they ask rhinoplasty patients to determine if candidates are a fit for the procedure. Your surgeon shouldn’t assume you’re ready just because you say you are.

Planning Your Budget

An interview is also a great time to start gathering ballpark figures for your overall costs. There may be separate fees for your consultation, operating room time, anesthesiology, and more.

You shouldn’t need a degree in accounting to understand what will be expected of you financially. The breakdown should be clear and easy to understand.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best, so include price as one of many factors to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon.

Researching Now for Results Later

If you’re considering plastic surgery, taking the time to research all of your options is one of the greatest investments you can make for both your health and your future. Partnering with a surgeon you can trust makes all the difference in a successful outcome versus one that’s less than satisfactory.

Before you let anyone alter your appearance, check credentials, experience, reputation, and bedside manner. If you feel comfortable before the procedure begins, chances are you’ll feel confident when it ends.

For more information on how to navigate even the toughest of life’s decisions, check out our blog. We’ll help you make all the right moves so you can feel and look your best!